OSAKA, Japan (BRAIN) — Growing sales in North America and Asia boosted Shimano’s sales over the first nine months of the year to $2.3 billion (182.7 billion Yen), compared to $2 billion (161.6 billion Yen) over the same period last year.

HELSINKI, Finland (BRAIN) — Mavic sales rose 7 percent in the third quarter of the year led by increased sales in helmets, apparel and footwear, according to an earnings report released by Amer Sports.

TAICHUNG, Taiwan (BRAIN) — Taiwanese manufacturer JD Group will show a new electric bike motor targeted at North American bike makers at next month's Taichung Bike Week, a major original equipment spec' event.

AIGLE, Switzerland (BRAIN) — The international cycling union UCI on Monday drove the final nail into Lance Armstrong's doping punishment, announcing that it would not appeal the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency's finding that Armstrong doped for much of his professional career.

CHICAGO, IL (BRAIN) — SRAM Inc. on Thursday announced it was ending its relationship with Lance Armstrong, who used the company's components during his comeback to the sport in 2009 and 2010. SRAM also clarified that Armstrong no longer owned any share in the company.

NIENBURG, Germany (BRAIN) — A massive fire ripped through two warehouses at German manufacturer and distributor Hartje on Tuesday evening, destroying thousands of bicycles and bike parts and racking up millions of dollars in damages.

PORTLAND, OR (BRAIN) — Babici, a relatively new high-end road cycling clothing line based in Australia, is coming to shore in the U.S. next season. The brand's exclusive U.S. online retailer will be Competitive Cyclist; the company also will be looking to sell to independent bike dealers.

NUNSPEET, Netherlands (BRAIN) — Effective january 1, Matthias Reinacher will become managing director of Pearl Izumi Europe, the company announced Monday. Reinacher is currently the senior brand manager of the Shimano-owned company.

CARLSBAD, CA (BRAIN) — Focus Bicycles is returning to the WorldTour with a three-year agreement to sponsor France's Ag2r-La Mondiale team. The brand will be the technical sponsor of the team, which will ride a new Izalco Team SL model for the 2013 season.

NUNSPEET, Netherlands (BRAIN) — Shimano, which already sponsors the BMC pro road racing team, will expand its relationship with BMC next year and take over sponsorship of its pro mountain biking team, the companies announced Wednesday.